By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
South Korean major leaguer Park Chan-ho has decidednot to play for Korea at the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Park, who held a press conference in Seoul, Tuesday said he will not pitch at the tournament and is to retire from national team duties.
``I have no confidence that I could play well, not only at the WBC but also in the Major League,'' Park said.
``I am very sorry and apologize to the fans who were waiting for my attendance at the WBC,'' he added, his eyes filling with tears. ''I don't know how long I can continue to pitch, but I will never forget the support from my fans. I always did my best.''
The 35-year-old signed a one-year, $2.5-million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies last Wednesday after passing a medical. At the time, he said he would discuss and talk about his attendance at the WBC with the team's general manager, raising hopes he would make it into the squad.
``During my conversation with the general manager, I felt that they didn't want me to play as a starter," said Park
``They seemed to be of the opinion that I should be a reliever and not a starter. I thought that if I don't shine during the Spring Training camp, I couldn't occupy the last spot for a starter.
``Actually, the join-up ceremony was scheduled for the day of the medical test. But it was canceled because their one pitcher failed to pass a drug test the same day. It vexed me and hurt my pride."
Right-hander Park, who made his Major League debut April 8, 1994, with the LA Dodgers, has a 117-92 record with a 4.34 ERA.
The 14-year veteran major leaguer, Korea's first ever, suffered abdominal pain and intestinal bleeding in 2006, but rebounded last year, and went 4-4 with a 3.40 ERA in 54 games.
Park is now set to go to Miyazaki in Japan to join the Doosan Bears' training camp. ``It will be helpful for me and I think my advice may help the young players,'' he said.
Over the years, his efforts brought a gold medal at the Bangkok Asian Games in 1998 after a win over Japan.
Park gave Koreans hope and encouragement with his outstanding performances when the country was at one of its lowest ebbs during the Asian financial crisis from 1997-98.
In 2006, he led Korea to the semifinals of the WBC, delivering 10 innings, earning three saves, with a 0.0 ERA and eight strikeouts.
He also supported the country's advance to the Beijing Olympics Asia preliminary in 2007.
But Park's national team career will perhaps be best remembered for the dedication he gave to his country, even when his personal situation was unstable.
WBC manager Kim In-sik should is now faced with the task of finding a suitable replacement for Park.
``Though he has decided not to play in the WBC, he has shown young players how valuable it is to wear the national team uniform. He has shown so much effort playing for Korea and I totally understand his situation,'' Kim told the newspaper IS Sport.